Choosing Strollers Pushchairs
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7007/773/graco-stadium-duo-tandem-double-pushchair-suitable-from-birth-to-approx-3-years-15kgs-car-seat-compatible-with-snugessentials-isize-infant-car-seat-black-grey-fashion-773.jpg)For those who regularly use public transport or travel via plane, a light and easy-touse pushchair is essential. Choose a model that folds flat and compactly, and is machine-washable so that you can clean spilt drinks or leaky nappy stains.
We love strollers which glide easily across pavements and can mount kerbs with ease. Look for car seat attachements that can be installed by themselves, as well as a handlebar which can be adjusted to suit parents of all heights.
Easy of Use
There are many different types of strollers pushchairs to suit every budget and lifestyle. Some are light and compact and easy to fold and carry and store, while others have strong frames that are more robust for long walks and use on uneven terrain. Many come with a basket for your shopping items or bags to change your clothes in so that you'll have everything that you need. Some are designed to be used in urban areas, while others are made for country life or travelling to other countries.
Strollers can be used from birth. They allow babies to recline flat, which is great for developing the spine and lungs. Many strollers can be paired with an infant seat or carrycot to make them travel systems. They are suitable for infants up to toddlers. Certain models come with extra design features, such as a height-adjustable handbar for parents with various heights, or a large basket, or rain cover that can ensure your baby is dry.
Three-wheeled pushchairs tend to be better suited for city dwellers as they are light and agile, making them easy to move. Four-wheel pushchairs are more durable, making them ideal for families living in rural areas or who plan to spend a significant amount of time in the open air. Look for reviews by other parents who comment on how easy the pushchair is to use, such as how heavy it is or how easy it will be to navigate. It's also important to consider how big the base is and if it's solid enough for your child, particularly if you intend to use the pushchair off-road or on difficult terrain.
Safety
Strollers and pushchairs must be safe for infants or toddlers to prevent entrapment. Find a base that doesn't easily tip and ensure you test the safety harness by placing weight on it, or hanging bags from it to determine how stable it feels. Verify that the leg openings on the stroller are small pushchair enough so that a child's legs won't slip through. Also, ensure the handlebars are at waist level or a little below for an ergonomic use. A brake that's easy to operate and locks the back wheels is an important feature. You should look for a model that has brakes that are integrated into the wheels instead of being on the frame. This will help stop pinch points and choke dangers.
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7007/32/hauck-shopper-neo-2-pushchair-grey-lightweight-travel-stroller-only-7-9kg-compact-one-hand-folding-with-raincover-32.jpg)Many strollers come with seats that recline into a lie-flat position which makes them suitable for babies. For head control and breathing, it is recommended that infants lie flat during their first few months. Some pushchairs are described as having a reclined seating position, but they don't. Be sure to check.
Ensure the stroller has a five-point harness that can be adjusted (two straps that go over shoulders, two for the thighs and one around the crotch), much like those in car seats. This is essential to protect a child from falling out of the pushchair and prevents them from being pushed over or pushed out by cars or other pedestrians.
Make sure the stroller comes with an easy parking brake to use and locks the two wheels in front. This will stop the stroller from rolling away while you're loading or unloading your child, or while you're taking a break to rest.
Comfort
You'll want to feel at ease, whether you're pushing your toddler or carrying a diaper bag and takeaway coffee. Selecting a stroller that has big, tough wheels that are puncture-proof and can easily glide over rough terrain, and a smooth suspension will ensure you get the best results.
Having a pushchair that folds up easily and compactly will help. It can be a pain trying to jam an enormous pushchair into and out of the car boot or climb a flight of stairs - especially with a toddler growing in the rear. Be aware of what you will use it for, as well as the conditions. A stroller that has a hood will protect your child from rain, wind and sunbeams.
The final comfort factor is the ease to steer and control the pushchair. Be sure to check out our reviewers' opinions on maneuverability, which take into account factors like how well a stroller pirouettes across different surfaces and how easy it is to push up hills.
Many pushchairs have accessories that can help keep your baby warm or cool - such as footmuffs and fans. Some brands have their own nappy bags to help you travel with your baby.
A travel system offers greater flexibility. It consists of a stroller chassis (called the chassis), a seat unit which can be positioned either forward or facing the parent and a bassinet as well as a carrycot. You can take the car seat off and put it on the chassis when needed without disturbing your baby. The ideal solution for parents who are constantly on the move and often need to alter your journey plan.
Style
Although the jargon surrounding strollers pushchairs, prams and buggies can be confusing, there are a few things that they all have in common. The most important thing to keep in mind is that they're designed to take your baby from A to B. Think about how you will use it and select features that suit your lifestyle.
For instance, if you're likely to spend a lot of time on uneven surfaces such as sandy fields or muddy fields, you may want an all-terrain pushchair that has big tough puncture proof wheels and suspension to ensure it is more comfortable for your infant. If your child gets hot on long walks, you might want to use a shade to shield them from the sun or a baby fan to keep them cool.
Some pushchairs allow you to choose to have your baby facing you for reassurance, or outwards to explore the world. Some have a carrycot or seat unit that can be turned to face you or away from you and some come with an all-flat recline that is suitable for infants. Some also come with an adapter for car seats and are compatible with Isofix or are 3 in 1 systems so you can use them from birth.
A twin pushchair parent facing enables the transport of both children at the same time. There are models that have two or more seats, which are lightweight compact and have plenty of storage space, larger canopy, and a more maneuverable wheel. A few of our test participants liked the idea of a double pushchair but found that some adjustable handlebars were difficult to operate using just one hand. Some adjust by rotating around a pivot point which led some to push their hands up against the frame. Certain systems that allow parents to telescopically move into or out of the frame were easier to use for parents with larger hands.
Stores
The amount of storage space available in a stroller can influence the decision to purchase it. Examine the space underneath the seat as well as in the footwell and in the large basket to see the amount of space you can squeeze in. This is a major aspect if you plan to buy additional pushchair accessories like a tray for parents or the travel changing bag.
A parent tray can increase ease of use by providing additional storage space for snacks and other essentials. It can make the stroller heavy and difficult to fold. It's also important to note that the majority of tray for parents include shallow cup holders, which can cause items to fall out of the tray during travel or when strolling.
If you plan to carry your baby from birth, you should consider buying a stroller that is large enough to accommodate bassinets. These strollers come with larger storage baskets, canopies with complete coverage and reclined seats. They tend to be more expensive than a compact or a stroller that is lightweight.
Maneuverability is one of the most important features of any stroller. It determines how it is easy to steer when empty and how smoothly it moves over various surfaces, such as grass or pavements. It is important to note that this quality degrades over time as your baby grows and you add more weight to the pushchair.
Some pushchairs and strollers are designed as a complete travel system, that is, they can be used in conjunction with an infant car seat and changed to a toddler pushchair with adapters. This can make it easier to make it easier to transition from stroller to pram as your child grows older, which is particularly helpful in the event that you're lacking storage space at home.